New Iqaluit middle school needs library books

SARAH MANIAPIK

IQALUIT— Iqaluit’s Aqsarniit Middle School’s sparse library needs more books to fill its shelves.

Aqsarniit principal Peter Geikie says that a parents’ committee has already donated several boxes of books, but that the school library needs more.

“Because it’s a new school, there is no definite budget for books, but we do have a general fund which is growing, so any extra change we have left over will be used for books,” Geikie says.

Students of Aqsarniit middle school were involved before Christmas in fund raising and gave suggestions on what materials they would like to see in the library, says Geikie.

“We also have an active parents committee that has been very supportive,” Geikie says .

The Aqsarniit middle school is seeking material in Inuktitut, French or English.

At the moment, the Aqsarniit library also houses the school’s computer lab. Each teacher also has his or her own selection of material in their classrooms.

Geikie says that, at the moment, the middle school is looking for any material in the areas of science and geography. They also have a selection of novels geared to the age groups attending Aqsarniit middle school.

Right now, the Aqsarniit school has Internet access, but Geikie says they are having problems with their modem lines.

The school also has the World Book Encyclopedia on CD ROM and is expecting the Canadian Encyclopedia to arrive soon.

Geikie says any assistance from the public is welcome, and that donations in the form of money or books would be welcome.